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Journalist assaulted by MP's aide

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(MFWA/IFEX) - On 1 November 2008, Eric Amoh, a reporter for Ghana News Agency (GNA), a state-owned news wire service, was allegedly assaulted by Martin Ako, an aide to the Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central, Kofi Adda.

Media Foundation for West Africa's (MFWA) correspondent reported that the aide slapped Amoh and rained blows on him, following his narration of a brawl between Adda and an aide to Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, at a rally in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

The MP who is seeking re-election on the ticket of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) had accused Mahama of working against his interests. This accusation led to a confrontation between Adda and the Vice-President's aide. Amoh, who was an eye-witness, was narrating the incident to other journalists, when Adda's aide pounced on him.

Another journalist, A. I. Mohammed of the state-owned "Ghanaian Times" newspaper, suffered injuries to his right arm, when he attempted to come to Amoh's aid.

Amoh has lodged a complaint with the police authorities who are yet to take any action.

The bi-weekly reports "name and shame" political parties, candidates or activists who use indecent campaign language; and name the radio stations and programmes on which those expressions were used. It is also hoped that the bi-weekly reports will help the electorate to make informed voting decisions. The reports are also meant to provide credible evidence for the appropriate institutions and groups to take informed remedial actions.

Two senior judges sued a number of journalists and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) advocacy group for defamation in connection with an exposé implicating them and other members of the judiciary in a widespread bribery scandal.

"Civil society organisations have noted that political party 'foot soldiers' - activists who assist campaigns by distributing literature and generating crowds, among other activities - have been known to use violence and aggression"

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